Sunday, December 16, 2012

This is it! The post you've all been anxiously waiting for! My annual list of amazing and AFFORDABLE wines is finally here.

I made the list
actually 21 this year, since one of my faves might not yet be available in the
U.S. But we get new imports all
the time, and it's reallllly good, so I had to include it.
In 2012, it seems as if Spain and Italy (and Washington State!) were the
places to go for value finds. Also
I came across a lot of rosés that were outstanding values. (If you’re not a big rosé drinker, it’s
definitely time to start experimenting!
Do not unfairly judge the PINK.)
And my two TOP PICKS were both from Portugal, where I’ve long tried to
steer Wineaux to find amazing wines at great values. I tasted hundreds of different wines this year, always
looking for the best bangs for the buck… and here they are. There’s a little something for everyone,
including some slightly more unusual finds. You know I like “weird” wines, and some of these really show
how enjoyable oddballs can be! Cheers.

WHITE:

2011 Domaine de Belle Vue Sauvignon Gris, Loire, France $14 –
Sauv Gris is a Sauv Blanc cousin from the Loire. Gorgeous balance of round
mouthfeel and high citrusy acidity.
Pear and lemongrass on nose, minerally with white peach/tangerine in
mouth and a grassy finish. Clean but warm. Sounds schitzo but
isn't!

It sure LOOKS like a European label, doesn't it?
These guys are a little whimsical.
And cheeky.

2011 Independent Producers Dionysus Vineyard Chardonnay,
Washington State $14 - Rich & viscous US Chard with no oak but lots of
oomph. Loads of spice and minerality balance the pear and stone fruit
flavors. Very long finish. >>

2010 Jed Steele Shooting Star Aligoté, Washington State $16
- Aligoté is the oft-overshadowed second white grape of Burgundy – this one
hails from Washington state and is appley/citrusy with a smooooth finish,
unusual and verrrry yummy.

ROSÉ:

2011 Viñaluz Rosado, Bodegas Real, Spain $3 - Yes, three dollars. Granted, I got it on sale (down from a whopping $7,) but either way, this wine is a stupid-crazy value. Bright, rich, great berry/cherry notes, lip-smacking.

NV Dürnberg Brut Sparkling Rosé, Austria $10 - You know I
love sparklers. This is made from the red Zwigelt Austrian grape, and is floral
and lightly fruity but dry dry dry. Great for a party!

<< 2011 Heredade do
Esporão, Defesa Rosé, Portugal $13 – A lot of depth of flavor. Minerality, berries, a bit of meatiness…
Just fantastic! It quenches your thirst and yet you race back to
the bottle - so satisfying, I could drink it all day. TOP PICK.

2010 Bodegas Real "Nazares" Tempranillo, Spain $6
– The quality of entry level Tempranillos can be tough to navigate; this one is
absolutely yummy – especially at this price! Crafted in a more youthful
style for drinking now, it has soft and round berry salad flavors.

2011 Cantina Vallebelbo Sparkling Brachetto d'Acqui DOCG,
Italy $12 - light rose and berries with a SLIGHT sweetness, gorgeous balance of
herbs and fruit and freshness. Party wine, easy quaffer, fun and flirty. Might not yet be available in the
US. (I’m working on it!)

<< 2011 Edgebaston The Pepper Pot, South Africa $13 – A blend of Syrah,
Mourvedre, Cinsault, Grenache, Tannat, AND Viognier, this inky red is rich and spicy with loads of pepper and
dark fruits. Structured, but
smooooth – and, dare I say, sexy?!
Pretty heavy-duty but not overpowering, and a bit unusual.

2009 Cortes de Cima Red, Portugal $15 – Dark fruits, good integrated tannins, rich and full but velvety. Very nice - this is so huge, it cries out for food! This blend of Syrah, Aragonez (Tempranillo), Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Touriga Nacional and Alicante Bouschet is a great value. TOP PICK.

<< 2008 Weinhof Scheu Pinot Noir, Germany $17 – Riesling is the
star in Germany, but this Pinot is a lovely find. Incredibly light seeming but with a strong presence of
cherry, earth, pepper and tea rose floral notes.

2011 Conti di Buscareto Lacrima di Morro D'Alba, Italy $18 -
Not the Alba in Piedmont, but in Marche. Dark bright magenta.
Florals - lavender, roses! Very smooth, super light acidity, hint
of supple tannins. Violets and dark cherries in mouth. Kind of like
a Beaujolais Gamay... but not at all like it too!

2010 Mas des Chimères Oeillade Languedoc, France $19
- A meaty earthiness with dusty spice on the nose, this 100% Grenache has dark
berries, minerals, a hint of charcoal, rose, smoked meat and herbs.
Medium-bodied, but spicy richness and long length in the mouth.
Bring on the funk.

The Barbera on this list is on the left.
Alas the Barbera on the right is NOT under $20.

2010 Qupé Syrah Central Coast, California $19 - Very
herbalicious! Lots of rosemary, light, yet very well-structured.
It's hard to find a “Rhône Ranger” Syrah with this much personality at
this price point.

Well, Wineaux, there you have it. Please let me know if you try any of these amazing finds! And always let me know if you come across some superb under-$20 values yourself... everyone's wallet will thank you.